Pre-season fixture at Murrayfield
Newcastle United are set to face Everton in a pre-season friendly at Murrayfield Stadium in Edinburgh, Scotland, on Wednesday, 12th August 2026. This match marks the first time these two clubs have met on neutral ground since the 1924 Barcelona Cup final, and it will be the first visit to Murrayfield for both teams.
Kick-off for the match is scheduled for 5:15pm, with turnstiles opening at 3:45pm. The West Stand Fan Village will be accessible to ticket holders from 3:15pm. Supporters planning to attend are advised to arrive early, as turnstiles open 90 minutes before the start of the game. Newcastle United fans with valid tickets for their section will be directed to the South Stand.
Travel to Murrayfield Stadium can be managed via various public transport options. For those arriving at Edinburgh Waverley Train Station, tram services will depart from the West End stop due to ongoing road closures on Princes Street. Lothian bus services 1, 3, 12, 22, 25, 26, 30, 31, or 33 also provide routes to the stadium from Edinburgh City Centre. Walking from the west end of Princes Street is an option, taking approximately 30 minutes.
Public parking is not available directly at the stadium. Supporters driving may consider using Ingliston Park & Ride, located at 2 Eastfield Road, Newbridge, EH28 8LS. This site operates daily from 4:00am to 2:00am and offers free parking, though overnight parking is not permitted. Ingliston Park & Ride has 1,085 spaces, including 46 disabled parking bays, and is served by Lothian Buses, Edinburgh Trams, and FlixBus. An alternative is Hermiston Park & Ride if Ingliston becomes full. Motor homes are not permitted at either park and ride facility.
Stadium policies and team preparations
Attendees should note the stadium’s bag policy, which restricts bags larger than A4 size (30cm x 20cm x 10cm). All bags brought into the stadium will be searched, and no bag drop facility will be available. Flags are permitted if they are no larger than 2×3 metres, fire retardant, and have poles no bigger than 1 meter tall and 1 inch thick, provided they do not display offensive, discriminatory, or political slogans. Prohibited items include flares, smoke canisters, and weapons.
Food and drink will be available for purchase by card only. The West Stand Fan Village will offer food and drink, including alcohol, which is permitted only in this area in accordance with Scottish Licensing Laws and not within the stadium bowl. Additional food and soft drink vendors will be located around the North, East, and South Stands, all on the ground floor.
For Newcastle United, this match will see a new coaching team in charge, with German coach Matthias Jaissle taking over from Eddie Howe. Jaissle joins after winning two AFC Champions League Elite titles with Al-Ahli. The squad will also be without Sandro Tonali, Anthony Gordon, and captain Bruno Guimarães, presenting a different look for Everton to contend with.
Everton will be looking to address familiar questions regarding their front line and defensive stability. Brennan Johnson could make his debut after his move from Crystal Palace, and Christian Nørgaard is expected to see more playing time after being an unused substitute in a recent match against Stuttgart. Goalkeeper Jordan Pickford may return to the squad following his World Cup commitments with England.
Everton’s pre-season form has been varied, with two wins, two defeats, and one draw so far. The right-back position remains an area of focus, with Jake O’Brien or Merlin Rohl potentially auditioning for the role. Following this fixture, Everton has one more friendly against Lille before their season begins against Crystal Palace on August 22.
Recent form and head-to-head
In their recent club friendlies, Newcastle United have played several matches. They secured a win against Valencia and another against Darlington. They also experienced a loss to Bristol City and Fulham, and played to a draw with Gateshead.
Everton’s recent friendly performances include a loss to Stuttgart, a win against Hamburger SV, and a loss to Stoke City. They also recorded a draw with Bolton Wanderers and a win against Dundee.
Looking at previous encounters between the two clubs, on 28th February 2026, Newcastle United played Everton. Prior to that, on 29th November 2025, Everton faced Newcastle United. Another match between them took place on 25th May 2025.
Source: bbc.co.uk
